Transition metal solar absorbers

Abstract:

A new approach to the discovery of high absorbing semiconductors for solar cells was taken by working under a set of design principles and taking a systemic methodology. Three transition metal chalcogenides at varying states of development were evaluated within this framework. Iron pyrite (FeS₂) is well known to demonstrate excellent absorption, but the coexistence with metallic iron sulfides was found to disrupt its semiconducting properties. Manganese diselenide (MnSe₂), a material heavily researched for its magnetic properties, is proposed as a high absorbing alternative to iron pyrite that lacks destructive impurity phases. For the first time, a MnSe₂ thin film was synthesized and the optical properties were characterized. Finally, CuTaS₃, a known but never characterized material, is also proposed as a high absorbing semiconductor based on the design principles and experimental results.